JP5844133B2 - Combination scale - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a combination weigher for obtaining a combination in which the total weight of objects to be weighed is within a predetermined target weight range.

  Combination weighers can be broadly classified into automatic, semi-automatic, and manual types depending on the method of supplying and discharging the objects to be weighed to the weighing unit. In the manual combination weigher, the objects to be weighed are supplied and discharged manually. In the semi-automatic combination weigher, the object to be weighed is supplied manually, and the object to be weighed is automatically discharged (for example, see Patent Document 1). Moreover, in an automatic combination weigher, supply and discharge | emission of a to-be-measured item are performed automatically (machine control) (for example, refer patent document 2).

  A manual or semi-automatic combination weigher is used for an object that cannot be automatically supplied to the combination weigher or an object that is not suitable for automatic operation.

  In a conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, for example, a plurality of hoppers are arranged in a straight line, and one belt conveyor is arranged therebelow. When the operator supplies the object to be weighed to the hopper, the weight of the object to be weighed is weighed, the discharge gate of the hopper selected for the combination whose combination weight is within the predetermined weight range is opened and closed, and the object to be weighed is discharged. The object to be weighed discharged from the hopper is conveyed in one direction by a belt conveyor and discharged to a subsequent apparatus such as a packaging machine.

JP 2006-214784 A No. 7-33139

  In the conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, the objects to be weighed are discharged from the hopper selected for the combination onto the belt conveyor and conveyed. However, the belt conveyor conveys the objects to be weighed in the direction in which the hoppers are arranged. Since the hopper is disposed at a position considerably higher than the belt conveyor so that the object to be weighed does not come into contact with the hopper, the impact is large when the object to be weighed falls from the hopper to the belt conveyor. Therefore, it is not suitable for weighing objects to be weighed that are easily broken or damaged. For example, if an object to be weighed such as mushrooms having a bulk portion is dropped from the hopper onto the belt conveyor, the bulk portion is easily damaged, and the commercial value is lowered or the product cannot be sold as a product.

  Also, the operator must pay attention not to let the object to be weighed into the discharge gate of the hopper, and an unskilled worker, etc., mistakes the timing of supplying the object to be weighed to the hopper. This may cause problems such as causing the object to be weighed into the discharge gate of the hopper. In order to handle a conventional semi-automatic combination weigher, training and habituation of an operator are required.

  Further, in the combination weigher, it is important to improve the combination accuracy (measurement accuracy) and to improve the productivity so that the discharged weight for each time approaches the target weight as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. Even when an object to be weighed that is easily broken or damaged by an impact at the time of dropping, the object is not damaged, and the combination accuracy (measurement accuracy) is high. An object of the present invention is to provide a combination weigher capable of improving the productivity and productivity.

  In order to achieve the above object, a combination weigher according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a plurality of supplies in which a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the conveying direction and the supplied objects to be weighed are conveyed. A plurality of conveyors, each of which is provided corresponding to the supply conveyor, is supplied with an object to be weighed from the supply conveyor, temporarily holds the object to be weighed, and unloads the held object to be weighed A weighing conveyor, a plurality of weight sensors each of which is attached to the weighing conveyor and measures the weight of the weighing object supplied on the weighing conveyor, and a plurality of weighing objects to be carried out from the weighing conveyors On the weighing conveyor on which the total weight of the objects to be weighed is within the target weight range based on the weighing value of the weight sensor. of A combination means for obtaining a discharge combination consisting of a combination of weighing objects, a weighing conveyor control means for carrying out the conveying operation of the weighing conveyor so as to carry out the objects to be weighed selected in the discharge combination, and the discharge combination being selected. Supply conveyor control means for carrying out the feeding operation of the supply conveyor so as to unload the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor for unloading the objects to be weighed.

  According to this configuration, since the supply conveyor for supplying the objects to be weighed to each weighing conveyor is provided, the operator selects the discharge combination by supplying the objects to be weighed to the supply conveyor. For example, the objects to be weighed can be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of weighing conveyors that discharge the objects to be weighed, for example, immediately after the objects to be weighed are discharged. Therefore, it is always possible to perform combination processing (processing for obtaining a discharge combination) using the same number of weight values (for example, the number of weighing conveyors), and without causing a decrease in combination accuracy. Variations in accuracy can be reduced. In addition, since the objects to be weighed can be supplied simultaneously to a plurality of weighing conveyors that discharge the objects to be weighed, for example, immediately after the objects to be weighed are discharged, the combination process can be repeated at short time intervals. Can be improved.

  In addition, since the supply conveyor is configured so that a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the transport direction, the stock of objects to be weighed to be supplied to the weighing conveyor can be increased, and the combination process can be performed at short time intervals. Even in the case of repetition, the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor can be realized without delay and with certainty.

  Further, the combination weigher according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of supply conveyors in which a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the conveying direction, and the supplied objects to be weighed are conveyed, A plurality of weighing conveyors provided corresponding to the supply conveyor, supplied with the objects to be weighed out from the supply conveyor, temporarily holding the objects to be weighed, and carrying out the held objects to be weighed; A plurality of weight sensors attached to the weighing conveyor and weighing the objects to be weighed supplied on the weighing conveyor, each provided corresponding to the weighing conveyor and weighed on the weighing conveyor The objects to be weighed are supplied, temporarily hold the supplied objects to be weighed, a plurality of standby conveyors for carrying out the held objects to be weighed, and a plurality of objects to be weighed carried out from each of the standby conveyors are supplied, Serving Of the weighing object on the standby conveyor in which the total weight of the weighing objects falls within the target weight range based on the weighing value of the weight sensor Combining means for obtaining a discharge combination consisting of combinations, standby conveyor control means for transporting the standby conveyor so as to carry out the objects to be weighed selected in the discharge combination, and the weighing target selected in the discharging combination The weighing conveyor control means for carrying the weighing conveyor to carry the objects to be carried out to the standby conveyor for carrying the objects, and the supply for carrying the objects to be taken to the weighing conveyor for carrying the objects to be carried Supply conveyor control means for carrying the conveyor.

  According to this configuration, the plurality of weighing conveyors that simultaneously supply the objects to be weighed from the weighing conveyor to the plurality of standby conveyors that discharge the objects to be weighed selected as the discharge combination, and supply the objects to be weighed to the standby conveyor. At the same time, the objects to be weighed can be supplied from the supply conveyor. Therefore, it is always possible to perform combination processing (processing for obtaining a discharge combination) by using the same number of weight values (for example, the number of standby conveyors), and without causing a decrease in combination accuracy. Variations in accuracy can be reduced. In addition, since the objects to be weighed can be simultaneously supplied to a plurality of standby conveyors that discharge the objects to be weighed, for example, immediately after the objects to be weighed are discharged, the combination process can be repeated at short time intervals. Can be improved.

  In addition, a standby conveyor is provided at the next stage of the weighing conveyor, and the discharge combination is obtained by the objects to be weighed on the standby conveyor. Therefore, the next conveyor is connected to the standby conveyor for discharging the objects to be weighed selected as the discharge combination. When a weighing object (weighed object to be weighed) is supplied from the weighing conveyor, the next discharge combination can be obtained immediately using the weight of the supplied object to be weighed. This also makes it possible to repeat the combination process at short time intervals, thereby improving productivity.

  In addition, since the supply conveyor is configured so that a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the transport direction, the stock of objects to be weighed to be supplied to the weighing conveyor can be increased, and the combination process can be performed at short time intervals. Even in the case of repetition, the supply of the objects to be weighed from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor can be realized without delay and with certainty.

  Further, according to the combination weigher according to the first and second embodiments, the objects to be weighed are supplied to the weighing conveyor not by the operator but by the supply conveyor, so that the objects to be weighed are supplied to the weighing conveyor. As a result, the weighing accuracy can be improved by the weight sensor, and the weighing time can be shortened. This also makes it possible to improve combination accuracy and productivity.

  In addition, the operator can supply the objects to be weighed by placing the objects to be weighed on a supply conveyor that holds a plurality of previous objects to be weighed. Even if an object is supplied, the supply can be easily re-performed, and the combination accuracy can be improved by adjusting the supplied object to be weighed to an appropriate amount.

  Also, since the work to supply the objects to be weighed is simply carried on the supply conveyor, it is easy for even an unskilled operator to perform compared to the case of supplying to the hopper like a conventional combination weigher. Can do.

  In the case of the combination weigher according to the first embodiment, a supply conveyor and a weighing conveyor are used for each of a plurality of weighing units for weighing the objects to be weighed, and the objects to be weighed are transferred from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor. Since the objects to be weighed are transported and discharged from the weighing conveyor by the conveying conveyor, the steps between the supply conveyor and the weighing conveyor and the steps between the weighing conveyor and the conveying conveyor are reduced, or It can be lost. In other words, the impact when the object to be weighed moves from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor can be reduced, and the impact when the object weighs changes from the weighing conveyor to the transfer conveyor can be reduced. Even easily weighed objects can be weighed and discharged without damage. Similarly, in the case of the combination weigher according to the second embodiment, the level difference between the supply conveyor and the weighing conveyor, the level difference between the weighing conveyor and the standby conveyor, and the level difference between the standby conveyor and the transfer conveyor may be reduced or eliminated, respectively. Therefore, even an object to be weighed that is easily broken or damaged due to an impact when dropped can be measured and discharged without being damaged.

  Further, in the combination weigher according to the first and second embodiments, the supply conveyor repeats a conveying operation with a predetermined distance as a conveyance distance, so that the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor one by one. It may be configured to be carried out.

  According to this configuration, the supply conveyor only needs to repeat the transport operation with a predetermined distance as the transport distance, so that the operation of the supply conveyor can be easily controlled.

  Further, when the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor are supplied to the weighing conveyor, both the supply conveyor and the weighing conveyor are transported, and the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor are moved to the weighing conveyor. A transfer time detection means for detecting a time at which an object to be weighed changes from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor when being supplied to the weighing conveyor, wherein the weighing conveyor control means detects the transfer time detected by the transfer time detection means. May be configured to stop the conveying operation of the weighing conveyor after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to this configuration, the time at which the object to be weighed changes from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor is detected, and the conveying operation of the weighing conveyor is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from that point. It is possible to accurately stop at a desired position. Therefore, the length (machine length) of the weighing conveyor can be shortened, and the combination weigher can be made compact.

  In addition, the supply conveyor may be provided with a mark indicating a position where each object to be weighed is supplied.

  According to this configuration, since the operator only has to supply the object to be weighed while looking at the mark (mark), it is easy to perform the supply operation.

  Further, the supply conveyor has an endless conveyor belt that circulates, and each of the upper side regions of the conveyor belt has a plurality of holding regions each having a predetermined length in the circulation direction on which objects to be weighed are placed. It may be configured such that the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor are carried out one by one to the weighing conveyor by repeating the conveying operation with the predetermined length as the conveying distance.

  According to this configuration, the operator can supply the objects to be weighed by placing the objects to be weighed on a number of holding areas that hold the objects to be weighed before the combination processing target. Even if a weighing object is supplied, the range in which supply can be performed again is widened, and by combining the objects to be weighed to be supplied to each holding area, the combination accuracy can be improved.

  Further, the supply conveyor has a surface area of the conveyor belt which is divided into m divided areas (m is an integer of 4 or more) of the predetermined length in the circumferential direction, and is located on the upper side of the conveyor belt. The divided area may be configured to coincide with the holding area.

  In this case, the number (m) of the divided areas may be an odd number, but by using an even number, the entire area on the upper side of the conveyor belt is used as a holding area, and m / 2 pieces are obtained. A holding area can be provided, and the length of the conveyor can be used effectively.

  The conveyor belt may be provided with a crosspiece on the boundary between the divided regions adjacent to each other.

  According to this configuration, by providing a crosspiece on the boundary between one divided region and the other divided region adjacent to each other, even if an object to be weighed that is easy to roll is placed on the holding region, it rolls to the next holding region. It can be prevented from moving.

  In addition, the plurality of weighing conveyors constitute first and second weighing conveyor groups arranged with the conveyance conveyor interposed therebetween, and each of the first and second weighing conveyor groups constitutes each of them. The weighing conveyors are arranged in parallel, and the weighing conveyors of each of the first and second weighing conveyor groups are positioned at one end thereof so that the conveying conveyor intersects the conveying direction. It may be arranged.

  According to this configuration, by arranging the weighing conveyor groups on both sides of the transfer conveyor, the length of the transfer conveyor can be shortened, the discharge time of the objects to be weighed can be shortened, and the combination scale can be made compact. In addition, since the combination weigher can be made compact, it is easy for the operator to perform the work of supplying the objects to be weighed.

  In the present specification and claims, one, two, or a plurality of objects to be weighed means an object to be weighed once, twice, or a plurality of times. The weighing object may be formed of some aggregate (such as a collection of a plurality of articles).

  The present invention has the above-described configuration, and in a combination weigher, even an object to be weighed that is easily broken or damaged by an impact at the time of dropping, etc. is not damaged, and the combination accuracy (measurement accuracy) is improved. In addition, the productivity can be improved. In addition, since the supply conveyor is configured such that a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the conveyance direction, objects to be weighed from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor can be obtained even when the combination process is repeated at short time intervals. There is an effect that the supply can be realized without delay.

  In addition, since the supply of the objects to be weighed is performed by the operator placing the objects to be weighed on, for example, a belt conveyor (supply conveyor), the worker can easily see the supplied objects to be weighed and determine the supply location. This makes it possible to easily perform operations such as replacement and removal of objects to be weighed when there is no combination in which the combination weight falls within the target weight range (when the combination is not established). On the other hand, in the conventional combination weigher in which the operator puts the object to be weighed into the hopper, since the object to be weighed is stored in the hopper, it becomes difficult for the operator to see the object to be weighed and It is not easy to determine the supply location, and it is difficult to replace or remove the objects to be weighed when the combination is not established. Compared with such a combination weigher that puts an object to be weighed into the hopper, the combination weigher of the present invention has an excellent effect as described above.

(A) is the schematic plan view which looked at the combination balance of the structural example of 1st Embodiment of this invention from the top, (b) is a schematic front view of the combination balance, (c) is the combination balance It is a schematic diagram which shows the detail of a weighing | measuring part and an assembly conveyor of this, (d) is a schematic plan view of the supply conveyor of the same combination scale, and a weighing conveyor. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the combination weigher of the example of 1 structure of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the combination weigher of the example of 1 structure of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is the model top view which looked at the combination weigher of the 1st structural example of 2nd Embodiment of this invention from upper direction, (b) is the principal part when the same combination weigher is seen from the side ( It is a schematic diagram which shows a measurement part and an assembly conveyor. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of one weighing | measuring part of a 1st structural example of 2nd Embodiment, and a to-be-measured object, (b) is one weighing | measuring part and the to-be-measured of the 1st structural example. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the thing from the top. (A), (b) is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the combination scale of the 1st structural example of 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of one measuring part of the 2nd structural example of 2nd Embodiment, and a to-be-measured object, (b) is one measurement of the 3rd structural example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a part, and a to-be-measured object, (c) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of one measurement part and the to-be-measured object of the 4th structural example of 2nd Embodiment. (A) is the schematic plan view which looked at the combination balance of the structural example of other embodiment of this invention from the top, (b) is a schematic front view of the combination balance, (c) is the combination balance It is a schematic diagram which shows the detail of a measurement part of this, and an assembly conveyor.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout all the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Moreover, the numerical value illustrated below (for example, the number of the measurement parts Cw etc.) is an example, and is not limited to the numerical value.

  In each configuration example of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below, the supply conveyor 30 is configured such that a plurality of objects to be weighed P are supplied side by side at intervals in the transport direction. Further, the supply conveyor 30 repeats a transport operation with a predetermined distance (a distance equal to a predetermined length that is ¼ or less of the length (circular length) of the conveyor belt of the supply conveyor 30) as a transport distance, The objects to be weighed P on the supply conveyor 30 are supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 one by one.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the appearance of a combination weigher according to one configuration example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Is a schematic front view of the combination weigher, FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing details of the weighing unit and the collective conveyor of the combination weigher, and FIG. 1D is a schematic plan view of the supply conveyor and the weighing conveyor of the combination weigher. It is. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a combination weigher of one configuration example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This combination weigher includes a plurality of (for example, 12) weighing units Cw, a collective conveyor 3, an operation indicator 4, a control unit 5, and the like.

  The collective conveyor 3 is disposed substantially at the center, and six weighing units Cw are disposed on both sides of the collective conveyor 3. Each weighing unit Cw includes a supply conveyor 30, a weighing conveyor 1, and a weight sensor 2 that measures the weight of an object P (FIG. 1D) on the weighing conveyor 1.

  Here, a group consisting of six weighing units Cw on one side of the collective conveyor 3 will be referred to as a weighing group G1, and a group consisting of six weighing units Cw on the other side will be described as a weighing group G2.

  The six weighing conveyors 1 of the weighing unit Cw of the weighing group G1 are arranged in parallel on one side of the collective conveyor 3, and the respective conveyance directions (directions of arrows a) are the conveyance directions (arrows) of the collective conveyor 3. (direction c) and intersect (in this example, orthogonal). The six supply conveyors 30 of the weighing unit Cw of the weighing group G1 are arranged in parallel and are provided corresponding to the weighing conveyors 1 of the weighing group G1. In addition, the six weighing conveyors 1 of the weighing unit Cw of the weighing group G2 are arranged in parallel on the other side of the collective conveyor 3, and the respective conveyance directions (directions of arrows b) are the conveyance directions of the collective conveyor 3. Are arranged so as to intersect (orthogonal in this example). The six supply conveyors 30 of the weighing unit Cw of the weighing group G2 are arranged in parallel and are provided corresponding to the weighing conveyors 1 of the weighing group G2, respectively. Moreover, in this example, each supply conveyor 30 is arrange | positioned so that the conveyance direction may become the same as the conveyance direction (arrow a, b direction) of the corresponding measurement conveyor 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG.1 (d), each supply conveyor 30 is comprised by the belt conveyor, and the surface area | region used as the conveyance surface of the ring-shaped endless belt (conveyor belt) is set to predetermined length (L) in the circumference direction. ), And is divided into six equal parts, and has six divided regions D each composed of each part. And the crosspiece 31 is provided on the boundary of the division area D adjacent to each other. That is, the six crosspieces 31 are provided on the surface of the belt at equal intervals.

  Also, the upper region of the belt is divided into three regions of a predetermined length (L) in the circumferential direction, the front region in the conveying direction is a front holding region 30a, the central region is a central holding region 30b, and the rear The area on the side is a rear holding area 30c. The three divided regions D located on the upper side of the belt are configured to coincide with the three holding regions 30a, 30b, and 30c, respectively. In FIG. 1D, the three divided areas D on the upper side of the belt are visible, but the three divided areas D on the lower side of the belt are not visible.

  The supply conveyor 30 has a distance equal to the circumferential length L of each holding area 30a, 30b, 30c (in other words, the circumferential length L of each divided area D) as a unit of conveyance distance (one conveyance operation). As the transport distance), the transport operation can be intermittently performed in the directions of the arrows a and b corresponding to the corresponding weighing conveyor 1. That is, the horizontal conveyance distance by one conveyance operation is a distance equal to the length L of the holding region. The drive motor (not shown) of the supply conveyor 30 is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor.

  An object to be weighed P is supplied to each holding area 30a, 30b, 30c of the supply conveyor 30 by an operator. And the to-be-measured item P is supplied to the measurement conveyor 1 by the conveyance operation of the supply conveyor 30 being carried out. Each object P to be supplied to the holding areas 30a, 30b, 30c is supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 one by one in order. The supply conveyor 30 may also be provided with guide plates on both sides similar to the guide plate 11 of the weighing conveyor 1 described later. In the following description, the symbol P indicating the object to be weighed may be omitted.

  The weighing conveyor 1 is constituted by a belt conveyor, and an object to be weighed is supplied from a supply conveyor 30. The weighing conveyor 1 is provided with a pair of guide plates 11 so that the objects to be weighed supplied from the supply conveyor 30 do not fall from both sides of the weighing conveyor 1. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1C, the guide plate 11 is attached to the conveyor frame 1F. A driving motor 1M for the weighing conveyor 1 is attached to the lower surface of the conveyor frame 1F of the weighing conveyor 1. Further, the weight sensor 2 is fixed to a fixing member (not shown) in the apparatus main body 22, and a conveyor frame 1F is attached to the upper portion of the weight sensor 2 via an attachment member. That is, the weight sensor 2 includes a load cell or the like, and supports the weighing conveyor 1 including the pair of guide plates 11 and the drive motor 1M. The drive motor 1M is composed of, for example, a stepping motor.

  The collective conveyor 3 is a transport conveyor for transporting objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 and discharging them to the outside. As shown in FIG. It is composed of a trough-type belt conveyor that conveys an object to be weighed in a state where the central portion 3c is recessed from the edge portions 3a and 3b. In addition, it is also possible to comprise with the belt conveyor whose conveyance surface is flat. In that case, you may arrange | position guide plates like the guide plate 11 of the weighing conveyor 1 to the both edges of a belt as needed.

  The collective conveyor 3 conveys the objects to be weighed in the direction of the arrow c, for example. For example, a post-stage device (not shown) is installed at the transport destination, and the objects to be weighed transported by the collective conveyor 3 are supplied to the post-stage device.

  The apparatus main body 22 is mounted on a gantry (not shown), and the collective conveyor 3 is mounted on the apparatus main body 22. A support member 23 is attached to the side of the apparatus main body 22, and the operation indicator 4 is attached to the support member 23 via a support column 24. A driving motor 3M for the collective conveyor 3 is also attached to the support member 23.

  Further, the apparatus main body 22 accommodates the conveyor drive circuit units 8a and 8b, the A / D conversion unit 9, the control unit 5, the I / O circuit unit 10 and the like shown in FIG.

  Each weighing conveyor 1 is supported by a weight sensor 2 such as a load cell. The weight sensor 2 measures the weight of an object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1, and the measured value (analog weight signal) is A / The signal is converted into a digital signal by the D conversion unit 9 and sent to the control unit 5.

  The control unit 5 is configured by, for example, a microcontroller, and includes an arithmetic control unit 6 including a CPU and a storage unit 7 including a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 7 stores an operation program, operation parameter data, measurement data, and the like. The control unit 5 functions as combination means, supply conveyor control means, weighing conveyor control means, collective conveyor control means, and the like. The control unit 5 may be configured by a single control device that performs centralized control, or may be configured by a plurality of control devices that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  The control unit 5 executes the operation program stored in the storage unit 7 by the arithmetic control unit 6, thereby performing overall control of the combination weigher and performing combination processing described later. For example, a measured value measured by the weight sensor 2 to which each weighing conveyor 1 is attached is acquired as a digital value through the A / D conversion unit 9 as needed, and stored in the storage unit 7 if necessary. Moreover, the drive operation of each supply conveyor 30 and each weighing conveyor 1 is controlled via the conveyor drive circuit unit 8a, and the drive operation of the collective conveyor 3 is controlled via the conveyor drive circuit unit 8b. Further, a discharge command signal is input from a subsequent apparatus (not shown) via the I / O circuit unit 10 and a discharge completion signal is output to the subsequent apparatus. In addition, a signal is input from the operation display 4 and a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 4 is output.

  The operation indicator 4 includes, for example, a touch screen type display (display device). On the screen of the display, the operation of the combination weigher can be started and stopped, operation parameters can be set, and the like. The result of combination processing (combination weight, etc.) by the control unit 5 can be displayed on the display screen.

  An example of the operation of the combination weigher of the configuration example of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the combination weigher of one configuration example of the present embodiment. The operation of this combination weigher is realized by the processing of the control unit 5. It should be noted that all information necessary for controlling the operation of the combination weigher is stored in the storage unit 7. The objects to be weighed are, for example, agricultural products and side dishes.

  First, combination processing by the control unit 5 will be described. In this combination processing, a combination calculation is performed based on the weights of the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyors 1 obtained from the measured values of the respective weight sensors 2, and the total weight (combined weight) of the objects to be weighed is the target weight range (combination). All combinations of the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 that fall within the permissible range for the target weight are obtained, and one combination is determined as the discharge combination. Here, when there are a plurality of combinations that fall within the target weight range, the combination having the smallest absolute value of the difference between the combination weight and the combination target weight is determined as the discharge combination. For example, when the lower limit value of the target weight range is set to the same value as the combination target weight and the upper limit value is set to (combination target weight + allowable value), the combination weight is equal to or greater than the combination target weight. Thus, the smallest combination whose difference between the combination weight and the combination target weight is within the allowable value is determined as the discharge combination. Then, the objects to be weighed selected as the discharge combination are transported by the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed are placed (holding the objects to be weighed) and discharged onto the collective conveyor 3. 3 is supplied to an external rear-stage apparatus.

  The latter apparatus is configured to output a discharge command signal to the combination weigher at a predetermined timing and start a predetermined operation when a discharge completion signal from the combination weigher is input. As the latter stage device, for example, a bag-feeding type packaging machine for bagging an object to be weighed may be arranged. In addition, as a rear-stage apparatus, for example, a conveyor apparatus that intermittently horizontally moves a plurality of trays (shallow boxes) connected in a ring shape may be arranged. In this case, the objects to be weighed discharged from the collective conveyor 3 are supplied to each tray, and an operator in charge of the conveyor device packs the objects to be weighed on each tray into one pack. In this case, for example, the conveyor device outputs a discharge command signal to the combination scale when the tray is moved and an empty tray is moved to the discharge port of the collective conveyor 3, and a discharge completion signal is input from the combination scale. Then, the tray is moved after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the next empty tray is moved to the discharge port of the collective conveyor 3.

  Next, the detail of operation | movement of this combination scale and an operator's work are demonstrated.

  An operator who is in charge of the combination scale performs an operation of supplying (loading) the objects to be weighed P to the holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c on the supply conveyor 30 where the objects to be weighed are not loaded. That is, the workpiece P is manually supplied to each of the plurality of holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c of the supply conveyor 30. Although not shown, the control unit 5 acquires the measurement value of each weight sensor 2 from the A / D conversion unit 9 at regular time intervals, and an object to be weighed is supplied based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2. The weighing conveyor 1 is recognized and the weight value of the object to be weighed is recognized. Here, when recognizing the weighing conveyor 1 to which the objects to be weighed are recognized, the measured value is compared with a preset load detection reference value (Wt, for example, 6 g), and the measured value is equal to or greater than the load detection reference value Wt. If it is, it will determine with the to-be-measured object being supplied, and if it is less than the loading detection reference value Wt, it will determine with the to-be-measured object not being supplied. The loading detection reference value is set in advance in the control unit 5 and stored in the storage unit 7.

  In FIG. 3, an example of operation | movement from the state in which the to-be-measured object is mounted in each weighing conveyor 1 is shown. For example, at the start of work, the operator places an object to be weighed on all the holding areas 30a, 30b, 30c of the supply conveyor 30 in the conveyance stopped state, and operates an operation start switch (not shown) of the combination weigher. The operation of the combination weigher is started. When the operation is started, the control unit 5 drives all the supply conveyors 30 to carry out the carrying operation with the length L of each holding region as the carrying distance. Thereby, the to-be-measured object on the front holding area | region 30a of the supply conveyor 30 is conveyed on the measurement conveyor 1, and measurement is started. At this time, the objects to be weighed in the center and rear holding areas 30b and 30c before the conveying operation are conveyed to the front and center holding areas 30a and 30b, and the objects to be weighed are not placed on the rear holding area 30c. ing. Thereafter, the worker performs an operation of placing the object to be weighed on the holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c where the object to be weighed is not placed at any time. The operations and operations at the start of the above work are examples, and are not limited to the above examples.

  In FIG. 3, when the control unit 5 inputs a discharge command signal from the subsequent apparatus in step S1, the control unit 5 proceeds to the process of step S2, performs the above-described combination processing, and obtains a discharge combination. Next, in step S3, the weighing conveyor 1 holding the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination is driven for a first predetermined time to convey the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 to the collective conveyor 3. At the same time, the collective conveyor 3 is driven for a second predetermined time, and the objects to be weighed conveyed from the weighing conveyor 1 are conveyed to the subsequent apparatus. Then, a discharge completion signal is output to the subsequent apparatus at a predetermined timing (step S4), the supply conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 driven in step S3 is driven, and the length L of each holding area is conveyed as the conveyance distance. Operate (step S5). The above operation is repeated.

  By the above step S5, the objects to be weighed in the front holding area 30a of the supply conveyor 30 are supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 and the objects to be weighed are measured. Here, when there is no object to be weighed in the front holding area 30a before the supply conveyor 30 is driven, since the object to be weighed is not supplied to the weighing conveyor 1, the operator does not have the object to be weighed in the front holding area 30a. What is necessary is just to make it supply a to-be-measured object so that it may not become a state.

  Further, as described above, the control unit 5 can determine whether or not an object to be weighed has been supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 based on the measured value of the weight sensor 2 (hereinafter referred to as “supply determination”). The process in step S5 may be performed as follows. That is, the supply conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 driven in step S3 is transported (first transport operation) with the length L of each holding region as the transport distance, and then the above supply determination is performed, If there is a weighing conveyor 1 that is not supplied, the feeding conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 is further transported with the length L of each holding region as the transport distance (second transport operation). Further, similarly, the above supply determination is performed, and if there is a weighing conveyor 1 to which an object to be weighed is not supplied, the feeding conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 is further transported using the length L of each holding region as a transport distance. (Third transfer operation). In this way, if the conveying operation is performed three times, that is, the number of holding areas, the object to be weighed is placed in the rearmost holding area 30c even if there is no object to be weighed in the two holding areas 30a and 30b in the front. Then, the object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing conveyor 1. In addition, you may make it make the supply conveyor 30 perform the conveyance operation which makes the said length L the conveyance distance repeatedly until a to-be-measured object is supplied to the measurement conveyor 1. FIG.

  Moreover, you may make it perform the said supply determination (determination whether the to-be-measured object was supplied to the weighing conveyor 1) as follows. For example, a weighing object detection sensor 32 (see FIG. 1D) including a photoelectric sensor or the like for detecting a weighing object discharged from the supply conveyor 30 is disposed in the vicinity of the conveyance end of each supply conveyor 30. The detection signal of each weighing object detection sensor 32 is input to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 determines that the object to be weighed is supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 when the detection signal from the object to be weighed sensor 32 is input. In this case, since it is possible to determine whether or not an object to be weighed has been supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2, the first and second transfer operations of the supply conveyor 30 can be performed. Or it becomes possible to perform the conveyance operation etc. from the 1st time to the 3rd time continuously.

  Further, the processing in step S5 may be performed as follows. Here, an object detection sensor such as a photoelectric sensor for detecting that an object to be weighed is supplied to the holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c, and all the holding areas 30a, 30b, It is provided for 30c and is configured to input the detection signal of each weighing object detection sensor to the control unit 5. And in the control part 5, based on whether a detection signal is input from each to-be-measured object detection sensor, to-be-measured object is set to all the holding | maintenance area | regions 30a, 30b, 30c (three division area | regions D on the upper side). It is determined at any time whether or not is supplied. Then, the process of step S5 is performed as follows. That is, on the supply conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 driven in step S3, the foremost area (divided area D) on which the object is placed passes through the front holding area 30a, and the object to be weighed is discharged. Then, the conveyance operation is performed and stopped until the area (division area D) on which the next object to be weighed is located coincides with the front holding area 30a. In addition, when the object to be weighed is supplied only to any one of the holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c before the transfer operation starts, the foremost area (divided) on which the object to be weighed is placed. The conveyance operation may be stopped immediately after the area D) has passed through the front holding area 30a, or the conveyance operation is continued on the supply conveyor 30 until a new object is supplied to the supply conveyor 30. Also good. In the unlikely event that the objects to be weighed are not supplied to any of the holding areas 30a, 30b, 30c before the transportation operation is started, the transportation operation is performed until the objects to be weighed are supplied to the supply conveyor 30. May be allowed to continue.

  Further, the processing in step S5 may be performed as follows. Here, an object detection sensor such as a photoelectric sensor for detecting that an object has passed near the boundary between the first and second holding regions 30a and 30b from the front in the transport direction of each supply conveyor 30 is provided. It arrange | positions and it comprises so that the detection signal of each to-be-measured object detection sensor may be input into the control part 5. FIG. Then, step S5 is performed as follows. That is, when the feeding operation is started to the supply conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 driven in step S3, and the detection signal of the measurement object detection sensor is input, it passes through the boundary between the holding areas 30a and 30b. When the divided area D is in a position that coincides with the front holding area 30a, the transport operation is stopped. In this case, if the object to be weighed is not supplied to any of the holding regions 30b and 30c other than the forefront before the transport operation is started, the detection signal of the object to be weighed sensor is not input. Alternatively, the holding operation may be stopped by setting the length L of each holding area twice as long as one longest transfer distance, or an object to be weighed is supplied to one of the holding areas 30b and 30c and detected. Until the signal is input, the conveying operation may be continued in the supply conveyor 30.

  In the present embodiment, the supply conveyor 30 that supplies the objects to be weighed to each weighing conveyor 1 is provided. Therefore, when the operator supplies the objects to be weighed to the supply conveyor 30, the discharge combination is selected. When the objects to be weighed are discharged from the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 holding the objects to be weighed, immediately after that, the objects to be weighed can be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of weighing conveyors 1. Therefore, it is always possible to perform a combination calculation using the same number of weight values (for example, the number of weighing conveyors 1). For example, when an operator directly supplies an object to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 without providing the supply conveyor 30, the objects to be weighed are immediately and simultaneously discharged to a plurality of weighing conveyors 1 that have discharged the objects to be weighed. It is difficult to supply a thing, and a time difference arises in the timing of supply. Therefore, when the next combination process is performed, if there is an object whose weight value is not fixed among newly supplied objects, the number of weight values used for the combination calculation is reduced, and the combination accuracy is greatly increased. In addition, the variation in combination accuracy increases.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the objects to be weighed can be supplied from the supply conveyor 30 to the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 immediately after the objects to be weighed are discharged, at the same time (for example, the weighing conveyor 1). The combination calculation can be performed using the number of weight values), and the variation in the combination accuracy can be reduced without deteriorating the combination accuracy. In addition, since the objects to be weighed can be supplied from the supply conveyor 30 to the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 immediately after the objects to be weighed are discharged, it is possible to repeat the combination process at short time intervals. Can be improved.

  Further, since the objects to be weighed are supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 not by the operator but by the supply conveyor 30, the manner in which the objects to be weighed are supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 is uniform, and the weighing accuracy by the weight sensor 2 is increased. Can be improved and the weighing time can be shortened. This also makes it possible to improve combination accuracy and productivity.

  As described above, by providing the supply conveyor 30, it is possible to realize both improvement in combination accuracy and improvement in productivity. The above effects and the like can be obtained even when the supply conveyor 30 is configured to place an object to be weighed only once on the supply conveyor 30 without dividing the upper area of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 into a plurality of holding areas. it can. However, a better effect can be obtained by dividing the upper region of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 into a plurality of holding regions.

  In addition, since the operator can supply the objects to be weighed by placing the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor 30 that holds the objects to be weighed before being subjected to the combination processing, the operator can erroneously supply the objects to be weighed that are not appropriate. However, it is possible to easily resupply. In particular, when a plurality of holding regions 30a, 30b, and 30c are provided on the supply conveyor 20 as in the present embodiment, the range in which supply can be performed again increases. Here, the appropriate amount is a weight within a weight range in which the combination within the target weight range can be easily made, and the combination accuracy can be improved by adjusting the objects to be weighed to be supplied to the holding regions 30a, 30b, 30c. Can be improved.

  In addition, since the supply conveyor 20 is provided with a plurality of holding areas 30a, 30b, and 30c, it is possible to increase the stock of the objects to be weighed to be supplied to the weighing conveyor 1, and the objects to be weighed even when the combination process is repeated at short time intervals. It is possible to easily and surely supply the objects to be weighed to the plurality of weighing conveyors 1 that have discharged the discharge immediately after discharge.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the area | region of the upper part side of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 is equally divided into three in the circumference direction, and three holding area | regions 30a, 30b, 30c are provided, and the surface area of a belt is divided into 6 divisions in the circumference direction. The six divided regions D are equally divided into two, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if two or more holding regions having a predetermined length L are provided in the upper region of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 and four or more divided regions having a predetermined length L are provided in the surface region of the belt. Good. For example, a configuration with two holding areas and five divided areas is possible. In this case, each of the two holding areas is not an area obtained by dividing the upper area of the belt into two equal parts.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the crosspiece 31 is provided on the boundary of the divided areas D adjacent to each other, even if the object to be weighed easily rolls, the object to be weighed placed on each holding area is another holding area. It can be prevented from moving by rolling. In the case of an object to be weighed that does not roll, it is only necessary to provide a mark indicating each holding area where an operator places the object to be weighed on the belt or frame of the supply conveyor 30 without providing the crosspiece 31. For example, the mark may be a line indicating the boundary between the holding areas. In short, in the case of an object to be weighed that does not roll, it is only necessary to have a mark that allows the operator to recognize (view) the holding area to which the object to be weighed is supplied.

  In addition, when the object to be weighed easily rolls, guide plates for preventing the object to be weighed are provided on both sides of the supply conveyor 30 so that the object to be weighed does not fall from both sides of the supply conveyor 30. May be.

  Further, in this embodiment, the surface area of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 is equally divided into four or more divided areas in the circumferential direction. However, in the case of an object to be measured that does not roll, an operator as described above. If the mark which can recognize the holding | maintenance area | region which supplies a to-be-measured object is provided, for example in the flame | frame of a conveyor, it can also be set as the structure which does not divide | segment the surface area of a belt into a division area. In this case, the plurality of holding regions may not be a region in which the region on the upper side of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 is equally divided into a plurality. For example, the region on the upper side of the belt of the supply conveyor 30 includes a plurality of holding regions each having a predetermined length L in the circumferential direction, and the conveyance distance by one conveyance operation of the supply conveyor 30 is set as the holding region. The distance may be equal to the length L, and the conveyance operation may be intermittently performed. In other words, the supply conveyor 30 has a distance equal to a predetermined length (L) that is ¼ or less of the conveyor belt length (circular length) as a unit of conveyance distance (conveyance distance by one conveyance operation), You may comprise so that a conveyance operation may be performed intermittently. In this case, you may make it provide the mark which can recognize the position which an operator supplies a to-be-measured item, for example in the flame | frame of a conveyor.

  In the present embodiment, the supply conveyor 30 and the measurement conveyor 1 are used for each of the plurality of weighing units Cw for measuring the weight of the measurement object, and the measurement object is conveyed from the supply conveyor 30 to the measurement conveyor 1. Since the objects to be weighed discharged from one end of the weighing conveyor 1 are conveyed and discharged by the collective conveyor 3, the level difference between the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1, and the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3 Each step can be reduced. That is, the impact when the object to be weighed is transferred from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1 can be reduced, and the impact when the object to be weighed is transferred from the weighing conveyor 1 to the collective conveyor 3 can be reduced. Even objects that are easily broken or easily damaged can be weighed and discharged without being damaged.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, by arrange | positioning the measurement part Cw which has the measurement conveyor 1 and the supply conveyor 30 on both sides of the collection conveyor 3, the length of the collection conveyor 3 can be shortened and the discharge | emission time of a to-be-measured object can be shortened. . Further, the combination weigher can be made compact, and the operator can easily perform the operation of supplying the objects to be weighed. In addition, since the operation of supplying the objects to be weighed is simply performed by placing the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor 30, even an unskilled worker can easily perform the operation compared to the case of supplying the objects to the hopper as in the conventional combination weigher. be able to. The weighing unit Cw may be arranged only on one side of the collective conveyor 3. However, in this case, the length of the collective conveyor 3 is increased in order to arrange a predetermined number of weighing units Cw, so Since the discharge time of an object also becomes long, when shortening a measurement cycle, it is preferable to arrange | position on both sides as mentioned above.

  In the present embodiment, the combination process is performed when the discharge command signal is input from the subsequent apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when combination processing is performed at predetermined time intervals set in advance and a discharge command signal is input, the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3 are driven to discharge the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination to the subsequent apparatus. You may do it. The time required for the combination process is about 10 ms, and even if the combination process is performed after the discharge command signal is input as in this embodiment, the actual measurement cycle is hardly affected.

  Moreover, even when the combination processing is performed at any timing as described above, the control unit 5 drives the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3 to discharge the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination to the subsequent apparatus, The objects to be weighed are supplied from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1 which has discharged the objects to be weighed. Here, when the driving time of the weighing conveyor 1 is T1, the driving time of the collective conveyor 3 is T2, and the driving time of the supply conveyor 30 is T3, T2 ≧ T1 + T3, and the driving of the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3 Are started at the same time, and the drive of the supply conveyor 30 is started immediately after the drive of the weighing conveyor 1 is stopped. When the drive of the collective conveyor 3 is stopped, all the measurement conveyors 1, all the supply conveyors 30 and the collective conveyor 3 stops. The weighing value of each weight sensor 2 when all these conveyors are stopped may be acquired, and the combination process may be performed based on the weight value of the object to be weighed obtained from the weighing value. In this case, since the measurement value of the weight sensor 2 is not adversely affected by vibration during driving of the conveyor, the measurement accuracy by the weight sensor 2 can be improved, and as a result, the combination accuracy can be further improved.

  Moreover, you may make it the collective conveyor 3 drive always. If the motor for driving the conveyor is not driven, power is not consumed. However, since extra power is consumed when the motor is started, it is preferable to drive the motor so as to reduce power consumption as a whole.

  In the above description, a combination (discharge combination) of the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 where the total weight of the objects to be weighed is within the target weight range is obtained, and the object to be weighed selected for this combination is supplied. It demonstrated that the weighing conveyor 1 was driven and the to-be-measured object of the weighing conveyor 1 was discharged. This means that when only one object to be weighed is supplied on each weighing conveyor 1 as in this embodiment, the total weight of the objects to be weighed is within the target weight range. This is equivalent to obtaining the inner combination of the weighing conveyors 1 and driving the weighing conveyors 1 selected for this combination to discharge the objects to be weighed from the weighing conveyors 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the length of the weighing conveyor 1 is increased, and a plurality of objects to be weighed P are held on the weighing conveyor 1 side by side in the conveying direction at intervals. Good.

  In this case, in the combination process, the control unit 5 obtains one discharge combination in which the combination weight is within the target weight range from all the weighed objects that are held on each weighing conveyor 1. At that time, in each weighing conveyor 1, when an object to be weighed upstream in the transport direction is selected as the discharge combination, an object to be weighed downstream from the object to be weighed is always selected as the same discharge combination. In this way, the emission combination is obtained.

  Here, for example, an example of the operation of the weighing conveyor 1 when two weighing objects P (upstream and downstream objects to be weighed P) are held on each weighing conveyor 1 will be described. When the length of one circumference of the conveyor belt of the weighing conveyor 1 is twice the predetermined length Lw (the conveyor machine length is approximately Lw), for example, the upstream object P is the upstream end of the weighing conveyor 1. Is held at a position (upstream position) that is separated from the upstream end of the weighing conveyor 1 by a position (downstream position) that is approximately 3 Lw / 4 away from the upstream end of the weighing conveyor 1. To be retained. In this case, for example, the supply conveyor 30 is arranged so that the position at which the object P to be weighed supplied from the supply conveyor 30 falls to the stopped measurement conveyor 1 is the upstream position described above, and the measurement conveyor 1 After weighing, the object to be weighed P supplied to the position is transported to the aforementioned downstream position.

  In this case, when only the object to be weighed P at the downstream position is selected as the discharge combination, the object to be weighed P at the downstream position is discharged by moving the weighing conveyor 1 by a distance of Lw / 2. Then, the supply conveyor 30 is caused to perform a transport operation. As a result, in the weighing conveyor 1, the weighing object P that was in the upstream position before the conveyance is held in the downstream position, and the weighing object P supplied from the supply conveyor 30 is held in the upstream position.

  When both the downstream and upstream positions of the objects to be weighed P are selected as the discharge combination, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported by a distance of Lw to discharge both objects to be weighed. Then, the feeding conveyor 30 is caused to perform a conveying operation. Thereby, in the weighing conveyor 1, the two objects to be weighed P held before the transport are discharged, and the object to be weighed P supplied from the supply conveyor 30 is held at the upstream position. After weighing the object to be weighed P, in order to supply the next object to be weighed P from the supply conveyor 30, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported by a distance of Lw / 2, and then the feeding conveyor 30 is transported. Let it be done. Thereby, the to-be-measured item P will be in the state hold | maintained in each of the upstream position of the weighing conveyor 1, and a downstream position.

  When holding two objects to be weighed P on the weighing conveyor 1 as described above, the weight of one object to be weighed P supplied first on the weighing conveyor 1 is stored after weighing. Next, the weight of the object P to be weighed is obtained by subtracting the weight of the first object P to be weighed from the total weight (measured value) of the two objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1. What is necessary is just to calculate.

  As described above, when a plurality of objects to be weighed are held on the weighing conveyor 1, the number of weight values used when obtaining the discharge combination is increased, and the combination accuracy can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of the combination weigher of the first configuration example of the second embodiment of the present invention viewed from above, and FIG. 4B is a view of the combination weigher viewed from the side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the principal part (a measurement part and a collection conveyor) of this.

  This combination weigher is similar to the combination weigher in the configuration example of the first embodiment described above, the collective conveyor 3, and weighing groups G1 and G2 including a plurality of weighing units Cw disposed on both sides of the collective conveyor 3, An operation indicator 4 and a control unit 5 are provided.

  The combination weigher of the first configuration example of the second embodiment is different from the combination weigher of the first configuration example of the first embodiment in the configuration of each weighing unit Cw, and the other configurations are the same. Hereinafter, the measuring unit Cw in the first configuration example of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  Each weighing unit Cw in the first configuration example includes a weighing conveyor 1, a weight sensor 2 that measures the weight of an object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1, a supply conveyor 30, and an object detection sensor 32. Yes.

  The supply conveyor 30 is constituted by a belt conveyor, and is arranged so that its conveyance direction is the same as the conveyance direction of the corresponding weighing conveyor 1 (directions of arrows a and b). The drive motor (not shown) of the supply conveyor 30 is composed of, for example, a stepping motor or a servo motor. The supply conveyor 30 is not provided with the crosspiece 31 as in the first embodiment, but is configured such that a plurality of objects to be weighed are supplied side by side in the conveyance direction at intervals. .

  The weighing conveyor 1 is constituted by a belt conveyor, and an object to be weighed is supplied from a supply conveyor 30. Further, the weight sensor 2 is fixed to a fixing member (not shown) in the apparatus main body 22, and the weighing conveyor 1 is attached to the upper part of the weight sensor 2 via an attachment member. That is, the weight sensor 2 includes a load cell or the like, and supports the weighing conveyor 1. A driving motor (not shown) of the weighing conveyor 1 is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor or a servo motor.

  Further, the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 are arranged horizontally unlike the case of the first embodiment.

  The weighing object detection sensor 32 is disposed between the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1, and is provided to detect the weighing object P when transferring from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1. The weighing object detection sensor 32 is configured using, for example, a photo sensor, and outputs an article detection signal when the weighing object P is being detected. This article detection signal is input to the control unit 5 via an I / O circuit unit (not shown). The weighing object detection sensor 32 only needs to be able to detect the weighing object. In addition to the photo sensor, for example, an object using an ultrasonic sensor, a sensor using a capacitive proximity sensor, Alternatively, a camera and an image processing apparatus may be used.

  The apparatus main body 22 is mounted on a gantry (not shown), and the supply conveyor 30 and the collective conveyor 3 are mounted on the apparatus main body 22.

  The block diagram in the first configuration example is an arithmetic control unit of the control unit 5 in addition to the configuration of FIG. 2, in which the article detection signal from each object detection sensor 32 is transmitted via an I / O circuit unit (not shown). 6 is input.

  The apparatus main body 22 accommodates the conveyor drive circuit units 8a and 8b, the A / D conversion unit 9, the control unit 5, the I / O circuit unit 12 and the like shown in FIG.

  Each weighing conveyor 1 is supported by a weight sensor 2 such as a load cell. The weight sensor 2 measures the weight of an object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1, and the measured value (analog weight signal) is A / The signal is converted into a digital signal by the D conversion unit 9 and sent to the control unit 5.

  The control unit 5 is configured by, for example, a microcontroller, and includes an arithmetic control unit 6 including a CPU and a storage unit 7 including a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 7 stores an operation program, operation parameter data, measurement data, and the like. The control unit 5 has a timer function and functions as a combination unit, a supply conveyor control unit, a weighing conveyor control unit, a collective conveyor control unit, and the like. The control unit 5 may be configured by a single control device that performs centralized control, or may be configured by a plurality of control devices that perform distributed control in cooperation with each other.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, the control unit 5 acquires the measurement value measured by each weight sensor 2 as needed, and stores it in the storage unit 7 if necessary. Further, the driving operation of each weighing conveyor 1, each supply conveyor 30 and the collective conveyor 3 is controlled. Further, a discharge command signal is input from a subsequent apparatus (not shown), and a discharge completion signal is output to the subsequent apparatus. In addition, a signal is input from the operation display 4 and a signal such as data to be displayed on the operation display 4 is output. Further, an article detection signal from the object detection sensor 32 is input.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of one weighing unit Cw of the first configuration example and an object to be weighed P, and FIG. 5B shows one weighing unit Cw and a target to be weighed of the first configuration example. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the measurement thing P from the top. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the standby conveyor 41 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. However, this will be described later, and in the first configuration example, the standby conveyor 41 is not provided. Instead, the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the collective conveyor 3.

  A plurality of objects to be weighed P are supplied to the supply conveyor 30 so as to be arranged in the conveying direction (here, the direction of arrow a) at intervals. Then, the objects to be weighed P are supplied to the weighing conveyor 1 one by one by the conveying operation of the supply conveyor 30. In the following description, the symbol P indicating the object to be weighed may be omitted.

  Each weighing unit Cw of the first configuration example has a configuration in which the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 are arranged horizontally, and the object P to be weighed is conveyed from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1 horizontally. In this case, the object to be weighed P sent out from the conveyance end (unloading end) of the supply conveyor 30 is horizontally conveyed and received by the weighing conveyor 1, and is measured by the weighing conveyor 1 at a predetermined position (here, the center position Hc of the weighing conveyor 1). It is transported to and stopped and held.

  In addition, each supply conveyor 30 makes it easier for an operator to supply an object to be weighed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the surface of the conveyor belt is placed on the conveyor belt by the operator. And a placement prohibited area 3b for prohibiting placement of an object to be measured, and an operator identifies the placement area 3a and the placement prohibited area 3b ( For example, it is color-coded. In this example, the placement area 3a remains the original color of the conveyor belt, and the placement prohibition area 3b is colored in a color different from the original color. Here, the placement areas 3a and the placement prohibition areas 3b are alternately arranged, and the total length in the circulation direction of one placement area 3a and one placement prohibition area 3b adjacent to each other is a predetermined length L1. It is. The operator performs an operation of supplying (mounting) the objects to be weighed P to the respective placement areas 3a on which the objects to be weighed of the respective supply conveyors 30 are not placed.

  Next, an example of the operation of the combination weigher of the first configuration example will be described. 6A and 6B are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the combination weigher of the first configuration example. The operation of this combination weigher is realized by the processing of the control unit 5. It should be noted that all information necessary for controlling the operation of the combination weigher is stored in the storage unit 7. The object to be weighed is, for example, an agricultural product.

  The combination processing by the control unit 5 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The combination calculation is performed based on the weights of the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyors 1 obtained from the weighing values of the weight sensors 2 to be weighed. All combinations of objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 in which the total weight (combination weight) of the objects falls within the target weight range (allowable range for the combination target weight) are determined and one combination is determined as the discharge combination. Then, the objects to be weighed selected as the discharge combination are discharged to the collective conveyor 3 by the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed are placed, and are further transported by the collective conveyor 3 and supplied to the external subsequent apparatus. The

  In addition, the operator who is in charge of the combination scale performs an operation of supplying (mounting) the objects to be weighed P to the placement area 3a on the supply conveyor 30 where the objects to be weighed are not placed. That is, the workpiece P is manually supplied to each of the plurality of placement areas 3 a of the supply conveyor 30. Although not shown, the control unit 5 acquires the weight value of each weight sensor 2 from the A / D conversion unit 9 at regular time intervals.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the combination weigher regarding an arbitrary weighing unit Cw.

  For example, at the start of work, an operator operates an operation start switch (not shown) of the combination weigher to start operation of the combination weigher.

  When the above-described operation start operation is performed, the control unit 5 starts driving the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 for each weighing unit Cw (step S6). Thereby, the supply conveyor 30 performs intermittent conveyance operation as described later, and the weighing conveyor 1 continuously performs conveyance operation.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the supply of the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is started. If it is determined that the supply is started, the process of step S8 is performed. Here, the determination in step S7 is that the weighing object 1 is detected when the weighing object detection sensor 32 detects the weighing object P (when the weighing object P starts to transfer from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1). It is determined that the supply of the object to be weighed has started. Here, the weighing object detection sensor 32 functions as a transfer time detection means.

  And if it determines with the supply of the to-be-measured object having started in step S7, the drive of the supply conveyor 30 will be stopped and the drive of the measurement conveyor 1 will be stopped (step S8).

  Here, the supply conveyor 30 is driven at a predetermined distance (for example, FIG. 5B) from the start of driving in step S6 or step S13 described later until it is determined in step S7 that the supply of the object to be weighed is started. The start of the transfer operation (this is referred to as “intermittent transfer operation”) having the transfer distance as the transfer distance (distance equal to the length L1 shown in FIG. 5) is repeated, and the start of the intermittent transfer operation is stopped in step S8.

Further, the weighing conveyor 1 stops after a predetermined time (T1) has elapsed since it was determined in step S7 that the supply of the object to be weighed was started (step S8). Here, the predetermined time (T1) is stopped at a predetermined position of the weighing conveyor 1 (here, the central position Hc of the weighing conveyor 1 in the transport direction) after the workpiece P of the supply conveyor 30 starts to transfer to the weighing conveyor 1. Is set to In other words, it is set such that the leading portion of the object P to be weighed supplied from the supply conveyor 30 is transported by the predetermined distance Lc on the weighing conveyor 1 and stopped. Here, the predetermined distance Lc is, for example, when the machine length of the weighing conveyor 1 is L2, and the half value of the average length of the objects P in the transport direction (for example, the direction of arrow a) is α.
Lc = L2 / 2 + α
Represented as:

  Next, in step S9, the weight of the object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 is acquired and stored based on the measured value of the weight sensor 2 (step S4). Here, for example, an average value of a plurality of predetermined number of measurement values obtained continuously from the weight sensor 2 is calculated, and is set as the weight of the object to be weighed.

  Next, an example of the repetitive operation of the combination weigher will be described with reference to FIG.

  When it is time to perform the combination process in step S11 (for example, when a discharge command signal is input from the subsequent apparatus), the control unit 5 proceeds to the process of step S12 and performs the combination process described above to obtain a discharge combination.

  Next, the discharge and supply process of step S13 is performed. Here, as the discharging process, the weighing conveyor 1 holding the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination is driven to discharge the objects to be weighed, and the collective conveyor 3 is driven for a predetermined time from the weighing conveyor 1. The discharged objects to be weighed are transported to the subsequent apparatus. Then, a discharge completion signal is output to the subsequent apparatus at a predetermined timing. Further, as supply processing, the supply conveyor 30 corresponding to the weighing conveyor 1 starts to be driven simultaneously with the weighing conveyor 1 in order to supply the next weighing object P to the weighing conveyor 1 that discharges the objects to be weighed.

  The above operation is repeated. Here, the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 driven in step S13 perform a conveying operation until the supply of the next object to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is started and stopped by the process of step S8.

  In the first configuration example described above, the same effects as those of the combination weigher of one configuration example of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the object P to be weighed supplied from the supply conveyor 30 is transferred to the weighing conveyor 1 and detected, the driving of the weighing conveyor 1 is stopped based on that point. Can be accurately stopped at a desired position (Hc) on the weighing conveyor 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, even if the objects P to be weighed on the supply conveyor 30 are supplied to different positions in the placement areas 3a as indicated by P1, P2 and P3, the weighing conveyor 1 can be stopped and held at a desired position Hc. Therefore, the length L2 of the weighing conveyor 1 can be shortened, and the combination weigher can be made compact.

  Next, the 2nd-4th structural example of this embodiment is demonstrated. In the second to fourth configuration examples, the configuration of the weighing unit Cw is different from the first configuration example.

  Fig.7 (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the one weighing | measuring part Cw of a 2nd structural example, and the to-be-measured object P, FIG.7 (b) is a structure of one weighing | measuring part Cw of a 3rd structural example. FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of one weighing unit Cw and the workpiece P in the fourth configuration example. In FIGS. 7A to 7C, the standby conveyor 41 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. This will be described later, and in the second to fourth configuration examples, the standby conveyor 41 is provided. The objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the collective conveyor 3.

  In the weighing unit Cw of the second configuration example shown in FIG. 7A, the weighing conveyor 1 is arranged slightly below the supply conveyor 30 with respect to the weighing unit Cw of the first configuration example. The object to be weighed P sent out from the conveyance end of the supply conveyor 30 falls a little and is supplied onto the weighing conveyor 1. The object P received by the weighing conveyor 1 is conveyed to a predetermined position (a central position Hc in the conveying direction of the weighing conveyor 1) by the weighing conveyor 1 and stopped and held.

  In the case of this second configuration example, the same operation as in the case of the first configuration example is performed, and the same effect as in the case of the first configuration example is obtained.

  Next, in the weighing unit Cw of the third configuration example shown in FIG. 7B, a weighing conveyor 1 having a long captain is used with respect to the weighing unit Cw of the first configuration example, and a plurality of objects are measured on the weighing conveyor 1. The weighing object P is configured to be held side by side in the conveyance direction at intervals.

  In this case, in the combination process, the control unit 5 obtains one discharge combination in which the combination weight is within the target weight range from all the weighed objects that are held on each weighing conveyor 1. At that time, in each weighing conveyor 1, when an object to be weighed upstream in the transport direction is selected as the discharge combination, an object to be weighed downstream from the object to be weighed is always selected as the same discharge combination. In this way, the emission combination is obtained.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), two objects to be weighed P (upstream and downstream objects to be weighed P) are held at predetermined positions (H1, H2) on each weighing conveyor 1. An example of the operation of the weighing conveyor 1 will be described. When the length of one circumference of the conveyor belt of the weighing conveyor 1 is twice the predetermined length Lw (the conveyor machine length is approximately Lw), for example, the upstream object P is the upstream end of the weighing conveyor 1. It is held at a position (upstream position) H1 that is approximately Lw / 4 away from the (loading end) in the downstream direction, and the object to be weighed P on the downstream side is approximately 3 Lw / downstream from the upstream end (loading end) of the weighing conveyor 1. It is held at a position (downstream position) H2 that is four distances away. In the following description, α is a predetermined value determined as a half value of the average length of the objects P in the transport direction (for example, the direction of arrow a).

  In this case, only the object P to be weighed at the downstream position H2 is selected as the discharge combination, and when the object to be weighed P is discharged, the control unit 5 causes the weighing conveyor 1 to start the transport operation and the predetermined time T11. By carrying out only the carrying operation, the carrying operation is carried out for a distance of (Lw / 4) −α and temporarily stopped. Subsequently, the supply conveyor 30 is operated intermittently. During the transport operation of the supply conveyor 30, when the control unit 5 inputs an article detection signal from the object detection sensor 32, the control unit 5 transports the weighing conveyor 1 for a predetermined time T12 from the input time point. The conveying operation is performed for a distance of (Lw / 4) + α and stopped. As a result, in the weighing conveyor 1, the weighing object P that was in the upstream position H1 before the conveyance is held in the downstream position H2, and the weighing object P supplied from the supply conveyor 30 is held in the upstream position H1. Become.

  In addition, when the objects to be weighed P at both the downstream position H2 and the upstream position H1 are selected as the discharge combination, and when the objects to be weighed P are discharged, the control unit 5 first starts the transport operation to the weighing conveyor 1 Let Then, after the transport operation of the weighing conveyor 1 is started, the supply conveyor 30 is intermittently transported after a predetermined time 13 corresponding to a time during which the weighing conveyor 1 transports, for example, a distance of Lw / 2. During the conveying operation of the supply conveyor 30, when the control unit 5 inputs an article detection signal from the object detection sensor 32, the article detection signal is stopped by stopping the weighing conveyor 1 after a predetermined time T14 has elapsed from the input time point. The weighing conveyor 1 is transported by a distance of (Lw / 4) + α from the input point of and is stopped. Thereby, in the weighing conveyor 1, the two objects to be weighed P held before the conveyance are discharged, and the objects to be weighed P supplied from the supply conveyor 30 are held at the upstream position H <b> 1.

  Then, in order to supply the next object to be weighed P from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1 after weighing the object to be weighed P held at the upstream position H1, the control unit 5 keeps the weighing conveyor 1 for a predetermined time. By carrying out the carrying operation for T15, the carrying operation is carried out for a distance of (Lw / 4) -α and temporarily stopped. Subsequently, the supply conveyor 30 is operated intermittently. During the conveying operation of the supply conveyor 30, when the control unit 5 inputs an article detection signal from the object detection sensor 32, the measuring conveyor 1 is moved by the conveying operation of the weighing conveyor 1 for a predetermined time T16 from the input time point. The conveying operation is performed for a distance of (Lw / 4) + α and stopped. As a result, the weighing object P is held at the upstream position H1 and the downstream position H2 of the weighing conveyor 1.

  When holding two objects to be weighed P on the weighing conveyor 1 as described above, the weight of one object to be weighed P supplied first on the weighing conveyor 1 is stored. The weight of the object to be weighed P supplied to is calculated by subtracting the weight of the first object to be weighed P supplied from the total weight (measured value) of the two objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1. do it.

  In the case of the third configuration example, by holding a plurality of objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1, the number of weight values used when obtaining the discharge combination increases, and the combination accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the object to be weighed P can be accurately stopped at a plurality of predetermined positions (for example, H1, H2) on the weighing conveyor 1, the length of the weighing conveyor 1 can be shortened and the combination scale can be made compact. Can do.

  Next, in the weighing unit Cw of the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. 7C, the weighing conveyor 1 is disposed slightly below the supply conveyor 30 with respect to the measurement unit Cw of the third configuration example, and the weighing unit Cw and the weighing unit Cw are weighed. The level difference is provided between the conveyor 1 and the object to be weighed P sent out from the conveyance end of the supply conveyor 30 slightly drops and is supplied onto the weighing conveyor 1. The objects to be weighed P received by the weighing conveyor 1 are conveyed and held by the weighing conveyor 1 to their predetermined positions (upstream position H1, downstream position H2).

  In the case of this fourth configuration example, the same operation as in the case of the third configuration example is performed, and the same effect as in the case of the third configuration example is obtained.

  Whether the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 are arranged horizontally as in the first and third configuration examples, or arranged with a step as in the second and fourth configuration examples, What is necessary is just to select according to a property etc.

  In the first to fourth configuration examples, the weighing object detection sensor 32 is provided, and it is determined whether supply of the weighing object to the weighing conveyor 1 in step S7 is started based on the article detection signal. However, it is also possible to perform the determination in step S7 based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2. In this case, after setting the load detection reference value (Wt) described in the first embodiment, the control unit 5 discharges the object P selected as the discharge combination from the weighing conveyor 1. The driving of the supply conveyor 30 is started, and thereafter, when the increase amount of the measurement value of the weight sensor 2 becomes equal to or greater than the load detection reference value Wt, it is determined that the supply of the object to be measured is started. The weight sensor 2 and the control unit 5 here function as transfer time detection means. In this case, although there is an advantage that the weighing object detection sensor 32 is not required, the driving of the supply conveyor 30 is started after the weighing object selected for the discharge combination is discharged by starting the driving of the weighing conveyor 1. Therefore, in order to improve productivity (processing capacity), an object detection sensor 32 is provided as in the first to fourth configuration examples, and the determination in step S7 is performed based on the article detection signal. It is preferable to perform the above.

  Moreover, in the 1st-4th structural example, the surface of the conveyor belt of the supply conveyor 30 is divided into the mounting area | region 3a used as the standard of the position which mounts a to-be-measured object, and the mounting prohibition area | region 3b, The operator can place the object to be weighed P at an appropriate position. Further, instead of dividing the surface of the conveyor belt into the placement area 3a and the placement prohibition area 3b, a mark or the like serving as a guide for the position of the object to be weighed on the frame of the supply conveyor 30 may be provided. .

  Next, the structure provided with the standby conveyor 41 will be described. In each of the first to fourth configuration examples, the standby conveyor 41 is provided in the next stage of the weighing conveyor 1, that is, the standby conveyor 41 is disposed between the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3. Good. The standby conveyor 41 is constituted by a belt conveyor, and the conveyance direction thereof is the same as the conveyance direction of the weighing conveyor 1 and the supply conveyor 30 (for example, the direction of arrow a). The operation of the standby conveyor 41 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 5. In this case, the control unit 5 also functions as standby conveyor control means.

  In the case of FIG. 5A and FIG. 7B, the standby conveyor 41 is arranged horizontally with the weighing conveyor 1, and the object P to be weighed is conveyed from the weighing conveyor 1 to the standby conveyor 41 horizontally. 7 (a) and 7 (c), the standby conveyor 41 is arranged slightly below the weighing conveyor 1, and a step is provided between the weighing conveyor 1 and the standby conveyor 41. The objects to be weighed P discharged from the conveyance end of the conveyor 1 are slightly dropped and supplied onto the standby conveyor 41.

  When the standby conveyor 41 is provided in this way, the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the standby conveyor 41 and temporarily held on the standby conveyor 41. Then, the control unit 5 obtains a discharge combination in which the combination weight is within the target weight range by the combination of the objects to be weighed on the standby conveyor 41. Then, the objects to be weighed on the standby conveyor 41 selected as the discharge combination are discharged to the collective conveyor 3 and conveyed to, for example, a subsequent apparatus by the collective conveyor 3.

  In this case, when the next object to be weighed (weighed object to be weighed) is supplied from the weighing conveyor 1 to the standby conveyor 41 for discharging the object to be weighed selected as the discharge combination, this supplied object to be weighed It is possible to immediately perform combination processing using the weight of the above, and it is possible to repeat the combination processing at a short time interval, thereby improving productivity (processing capacity).

  Further, in the first configuration example (FIG. 5A) and the second configuration example (FIG. 7A), when the standby conveyor 41 is provided, the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination are gathered from the standby conveyor 41. The productivity can be further improved by configuring the delivery conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 to start simultaneously with the start of the delivery operation of the standby conveyor 41 when discharging to the conveyor 3. In this case, for example, as the standby conveyor 41, a conveyor having the same length as the weighing conveyor 1 and the length of the conveyor belt and the circumference of the conveyor belt is used. What is necessary is just to comprise so that a conveyance operation may be carried out for a distance corresponding to minutes and stopped. The timing for stopping the supply conveyor 30 and the weighing conveyor 1 is the same as when the standby conveyor 41 is not provided.

  Further, in each of the first to fourth configuration examples, when the standby conveyor 41 is provided, for example, the length of the standby conveyor 41 is increased so that a plurality of objects P are spaced on the standby conveyor 41. And may be configured to be held side by side in the transport direction.

  In this case, in the combination process, the control unit 5 obtains one discharge combination whose combined weight is within the target weight range from all the objects to be weighed held by each standby conveyor 41. At that time, in each standby conveyor 41, when an object to be weighed upstream in the transport direction is selected as the discharge combination, an object to be weighed downstream from the object to be weighed is always selected as the same discharge combination. In this way, the emission combination is obtained.

  Here, for example, in the case where one weighing object is held on each weighing conveyor 1 as in the first and second configuration examples, two weighing objects P (upstream side) on each standby conveyor 41 An example of the operation of the standby conveyor 41 when the downstream object P) is held will be described. When it is assumed that the length of one circumference of the conveyor belt of the standby conveyor 41 is twice the predetermined length Ls (the conveyor machine length is substantially Ls), for example, the upstream object P is the upstream end of the standby conveyor 41. It is held at a position (upstream position) that is approximately Ls / 4 away from the (loading end) in the downstream direction, and the downstream object P is approximately 3 Ls / 4 in the downstream direction from the upstream end (loading end) of the standby conveyor 41. It is held at a distant position (downstream position).

  In this case, when only the object to be weighed P at the downstream position is selected as the discharge combination, the standby conveyor 41 performs the transport operation for the distance of Ls / 2 and discharges the object P to be measured at the downstream position. During the transport operation of the standby conveyor 41, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported so that the objects P to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the standby conveyor 41 when the standby conveyor 41 transports the distance Ls / 4. . Thereby, when the standby conveyor 41 finishes the transport operation, the object P to be weighed in the upstream position before the transport is held in the downstream position in the standby conveyor 41, and the object P to be weighed supplied from the weighing conveyor 1 is retained. Is held in the upstream position.

  When both the downstream and upstream positions of the objects to be weighed P are selected as the discharge combination, the standby conveyor 41 carries out the transport operation by the distance of Ls and discharges both of the objects to be weighed P. During the transporting operation of the standby conveyor 41, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported so that the objects P to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the standby conveyor 41 when the standby conveyor 41 transports by a distance of 3Ls / 4. . Thus, when the standby conveyor 41 finishes the transport operation, the two objects to be weighed P held before the transport are discharged from the standby conveyor 41 and the objects to be weighed P supplied from the weighing conveyor 1 are discharged. The state is held at the upstream position. When the next object to be weighed P is supplied from the weighing conveyor 1, the standby conveyor 41 is transported by a distance of Ls / 2, and during this transport operation, the standby conveyor 41 is transported by a distance of Ls / 4. Then, the weighing conveyor 1 is transported so that the objects to be weighed P of the weighing conveyor 1 are supplied to the standby conveyor 41. Thereby, the to-be-measured item P will be in the state hold | maintained in each of the upstream position of the standby conveyor 41, and a downstream position.

  As described above, when a plurality of objects to be weighed are held on the standby conveyor 41, the number of weight values used when obtaining the discharge combination is increased, and the combination accuracy can be improved.

  Even when the standby conveyor 41 is provided as described above, the conveying operation of the supply conveyor 30 when supplying the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is performed in the same manner as in the above-described configuration examples. Even when the standby conveyor 41 is provided, the weighing object P can be accurately stopped at a desired position on the weighing conveyor 1, so that the length of the weighing conveyor 1 can be shortened, and the combination weigher can be made compact. Can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the supply conveyor 30 is configured to perform an intermittent conveyance operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. When an operator supplies each of the plurality of objects to be weighed P on the supply conveyor 30 at intervals in the conveying direction, and when the objects to be weighed P are supplied from the supply conveyor 30 to the weighing conveyor 1, the control unit 5, after the supply conveyor 30 starts the conveyance operation, it is determined that the supply of the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 is started, and the conveyance operation is stopped after a predetermined time (T20) has elapsed since the determination. You may comprise. In this case, the supply conveyor 30 continuously performs the transport operation from the start to the stop of the transport operation. Further, the predetermined time T20 is completely transferred from when the object P of the supply conveyor 30 starts to transfer to the weighing conveyor 1 (when it is determined that the supply of the object P to the weighing conveyor 1 is started). This is a predetermined short time set as the time required until the time.

  In this embodiment, belt conveyors are used for the supply conveyor, the weighing conveyor, the standby conveyor, and the collective conveyor. However, a roller conveyor or the like may be used depending on the type of objects to be weighed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the supply of the to-be-measured item to a supply conveyor was performed manually, the supply apparatus to a supply conveyor may be provided so that it may perform automatically.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of the appearance of a combination weigher according to a configuration example of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of the combination weigher as viewed from above, ) Is a schematic front view of the combination weigher, and FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram showing details of the weighing unit and the collective conveyor of the combination weigher. 8 (a), (b), and (c), the same or corresponding elements as those in FIGS. 1 (a), (b), and (c) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is provided. Omitted.

  Compared with the combination weigher shown in FIG. 1, this combination weigher is not provided with the supply conveyor 30. Accordingly, each weighing unit Cw does not include the supply conveyor 30 but includes the weighing conveyor 1 and the weight sensor 2 that measures the weight of the object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1.

  In this combination weigher, an operator performs an operation of supplying (loading) the objects to be weighed, for example, one by one to the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed are not loaded in the conveyance stopped state. That is, an object to be weighed is manually supplied to each weighing conveyor 1.

  The control unit 5 acquires the measurement value of each weight sensor 2 from the A / D conversion unit 9 (see FIG. 2) at regular time intervals, and the measurement object is supplied based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2. Recognize the conveyor 1. Here, when recognizing the weighing conveyor 1 to which the objects to be weighed are recognized, the measured value is compared with a preset load detection reference value (Wt, for example, 6 g), and the measured value is equal to or greater than the load detection reference value Wt. If it is, it will determine with the to-be-measured object being supplied, and if it is less than the loading detection reference value Wt, it will determine with the to-be-measured object not being supplied. The loading detection reference value Wt is set in advance in the control unit 5 and stored in the storage unit 7.

  When the control unit 5 determines that the object to be weighed is supplied, the fluctuation amount of the measurement value of the weight sensor 2 acquired at regular time intervals falls within a predetermined fluctuation range. In other words, when the measured value of the weight sensor 2 becomes stable, the weight value of the object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 is calculated and determined based on the measured value at that time. The weight value of the object to be weighed is calculated using, for example, a moving average method.

  Further, as described above, the control unit 5 performs combination processing similar to that of the above-described embodiment as soon as the weight value of the object to be weighed on any one of the weighing conveyors 1 is calculated and determined. Then, in the combination process, when a discharge combination in which the combination weight falls within the target weight range is obtained, the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the discharge combination is immediately driven for a first predetermined time, and the same weighing is performed. The objects to be weighed on the conveyor 1 are conveyed to the collective conveyor 3, and the objects to be weighed conveyed from the weighing conveyor 1 are conveyed to the subsequent apparatus by driving the collective conveyor 3 for a second predetermined time. Then, a discharge completion signal is output to the subsequent apparatus at a predetermined timing. The above operation is repeated.

  In this other embodiment, each time the weight value of the object to be weighed on any one of the weighing conveyors 1 is determined, the combination processing is performed immediately, and when the discharge combination is obtained, the discharge is immediately performed. Since the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 selected for the combination are discharged to the collective conveyor 3 and further discharged from the collective conveyor 3 to the outside (second stage apparatus), the objects to be weighed are discharged to the outside. Capability can be improved and productivity can be improved.

  As the latter stage apparatus, in addition to the above-described apparatus, for example, as in the supply conveyor 30 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of bars are provided on the surface of the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor, and the divided area (D) partitioned by the bars is provided. You may use many external conveyance conveyors provided. In this case, the external conveyor is arranged on the conveyance end side of the collective conveyor 3 so that the objects to be weighed discharged from the collective conveyor 3 are supplied to the divided area D on the most upstream side in the conveyance direction, for example. For example, every time discharge of the objects to be weighed from the collective conveyor 3 is completed, the length L in the circumferential direction of each divided region D may be used as a transport distance to intermittently perform the transport operation. As a result, the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing conveyor 1 selected as the discharge combination are supplied to the divided area D of the external transfer conveyor.

  In this other embodiment, the minimum necessary number (s) of the weight values of the objects to be weighed when performing the combination processing is determined in advance, and the weight value of the objects to be weighed on any one of the weighing conveyors 1 is determined. Even if it is determined, the combination processing may not be performed if the total number of weight values of the objects to be weighed at that time is less than the required minimum number s. In this case, the combination accuracy can be improved by setting the necessary minimum number s to an appropriate first value (x). Further, by setting the necessary minimum number s to an appropriate second value (y) smaller than the first value (x), it is possible to improve productivity by increasing the ability to discharge the object to be measured to the outside. it can. That is, if the required minimum number s is increased, the combination accuracy can be improved, and conversely, if it is decreased, productivity can be improved.

  The necessary minimum number s is set in the control unit 5, and can be set and changed by operating the operation indicator 4, for example. The operation indicator 4 functions as an input means, and various values (a necessary minimum number s, a desired value z described later, etc.) set by operating the operation indicator 4 are stored in the storage unit 7 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, the required minimum number s may be automatically changed as follows during operation of the combination weigher. For example, an operator or the like operates the operation display 4 to set a desired value z of the discharge capacity (for example, a desired discharge number z per minute, that is, a desired number z at which a discharge combination is determined per minute) to the controller 5. Set in advance. Then, during the operation of the combination weigher, the control unit 5 counts the number of times that a discharge combination is required per minute, compares this count value (discharge capacity measured value) with the desired value z of the discharge capacity, The minimum required number s may be changed based on the comparison result. For example, when the actually measured discharge capacity is smaller than the desired value z of the discharge capacity, the required minimum number s can be reduced to achieve the desired discharge capacity, that is, the desired output. In addition, when the actual discharge capacity value is larger than the desired value z of the discharge capacity, the combination accuracy can be improved and the yield can be improved by increasing the required minimum number s. In this case, when the desired value z of the discharge capacity is set in the control unit 5 in advance, the initial value of the necessary minimum number s may be automatically determined according to the set desired value z. Alternatively, the operation indicator 4 may be operated to set the initial value of the necessary minimum number s in the control unit 5.

  Instead of the desired value z, a desired range Z (a range between the lower limit value Z1 and the upper limit value Z2) may be used. In this case, the required minimum number s is not changed when the actual discharge capacity value is within the desired range Z (lower limit value Z1 or higher, upper limit value Z2 or lower), and necessary when the actual discharge capacity value is smaller than the lower limit value Z1. The minimum number s is reduced, and the required minimum number s is increased when the measured discharge capacity is larger than the upper limit value Z2.

(Another embodiment)
The combination weigher of a configuration example of another embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. That is, in this combination weigher as well as the combination weighers of the other embodiments described above, each weighing unit Cw does not include the supply conveyor 30, and the weights of the weighing conveyor 1 and the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1 are measured. And a weight sensor 2 for weighing.

  In this combination weigher, an operator performs an operation of supplying (loading) the objects to be weighed, for example, one by one to the weighing conveyor 1 on which the objects to be weighed are not loaded in the conveyance stopped state. That is, an object to be weighed is manually supplied to each weighing conveyor 1.

  The control unit 5 acquires the measurement value of each weight sensor 2 from the A / D conversion unit 9 (see FIG. 2) at regular time intervals, and the measurement object is supplied based on the measurement value of the weight sensor 2. Recognize the conveyor 1. Here, when recognizing the weighing conveyor 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied, the weighing value is compared with a preset loading detection reference value (for example, 6 g), and if the weighing value is equal to or more than the loading detection reference value. It is determined that the object to be weighed is supplied, and if it is less than the loading detection reference value, it is determined that the object to be weighed is not supplied. The loading detection reference value is set in advance in the control unit 5 and stored in the storage unit 7.

  And when starting an operation, for example, after an operator places an object to be weighed on the weighing conveyor 1, when the operator operates an operation start switch provided in the operation indicator 4, for example, the control unit 5 As described above, the weighing value of each weight sensor 2 is acquired, the weighing conveyor 1 to which the object to be weighed is supplied is recognized, and the combination processing is performed based on the weight value of the object to be weighed obtained from the weighing value. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 5 drives the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3 to discharge the objects selected for the discharge combination to the outside (for example, the subsequent apparatus), and completes the discharge to the subsequent apparatus at a predetermined timing. A signal is output, and the operator supplies the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 that has discharged the objects to be weighed. And the control part 5 acquires the measured value of each weight sensor 2, performs combination processing similarly, drives the weighing conveyor 1 and the collective conveyor 3, and sends the objects to be measured selected for the discharge combination to the outside. Discharge and output a discharge completion signal to the subsequent apparatus at a predetermined timing. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated.

  Here, the driving time of the weighing conveyor 1 is T1, the driving time of the collective conveyor 3 is T2, the supply time of the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 by the operator is T3, and T2 ≧ T1 + T3. When driving with the conveyor 3 is started at the same time and the worker starts supplying the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor 1 immediately after the driving of the weighing conveyor 1 is stopped, The supply of the objects to be weighed by is finished, and all the weighing conveyors 1 and the collective conveyors 3 are stopped. The control unit 5 acquires the measurement value of each weight sensor 2 when all these conveyors are stopped, and performs the combination processing based on the weight value of the object to be weighed obtained from the measurement value. I have to. In this case, since the weighing value of the weight sensor 2 is not adversely affected by the vibration when the conveyor is driven, the weighing accuracy by the weight sensor 2 can be improved, and as a result, the combination accuracy can be improved.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a combination weigher or the like that does not damage even an object to be weighed that is easily broken or damaged by an impact when dropped.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Weighing conveyor 2 Weight sensor 3 Collective conveyor 4 Operation indicator 5 Control part 30 Supply conveyor 31 Crosspiece 30a, 30b, 30c Holding area 3a Loading area 3b Loading prohibition area 41 Standby conveyor D Divided area

Claims (8)

A plurality of supply objects are supplied side by side in the conveyance direction, and a plurality of supply conveyors convey the supplied measurement objects,
A plurality of weighing conveyors each provided corresponding to the supply conveyor, supplied with the objects to be weighed out from the supply conveyor, temporarily holding the objects to be weighed, and carrying out the held objects to be weighed; ,
A plurality of weight sensors, each of which is attached to the weighing conveyor and measures the weight of an object to be weighed supplied on the weighing conveyor;
A plurality of objects to be weighed carried out from each of the weighing conveyors, a conveyor for conveying the objects to be weighed and discharging them to the outside;
A combination means for obtaining a discharge combination comprising a combination of objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor such that a total weight of the objects to be weighed is within a target weight range based on a measurement value of the weight sensor;
Weighing conveyor control means for carrying the weighing conveyor to carry out the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination;
Supply conveyor control means for transporting the supply conveyor so as to unload the objects to be weighed to unload the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination ;
The combination means includes
All the supply conveyors, all the weighing conveyors, and the transport conveyors are configured to obtain the weighing values of the weight sensors when the driving is stopped, and obtain the discharge combination based on the weighing values. Combination scale. A plurality of supply objects are supplied side by side in the conveyance direction, and a plurality of supply conveyors convey the supplied measurement objects,
A plurality of weighing conveyors each provided corresponding to the supply conveyor, supplied with the objects to be weighed out from the supply conveyor, temporarily holding the objects to be weighed, and carrying out the held objects to be weighed; ,
A plurality of weight sensors, each of which is attached to the weighing conveyor and measures the weight of an object to be weighed supplied on the weighing conveyor;
A plurality of standby conveyors each provided corresponding to the weighing conveyor, supplied with the objects to be weighed on the weighing conveyor, temporarily holding the objects to be weighed, and carrying out the held objects to be weighed When,
A plurality of the objects to be weighed carried out from each of the standby conveyors, a conveyor for conveying the objects to be weighed and discharging them to the outside;
A combination means for obtaining a discharge combination comprising a combination of the objects to be weighed on the standby conveyor so that the total weight of the objects to be weighed is within a target weight range based on the measurement value of the weight sensor;
Standby conveyor control means for operating the standby conveyor to carry out the objects to be weighed selected for the discharge combination;
Weighing conveyor control means for carrying the weighing conveyor to carry the weighing object to the standby conveyor for carrying the weighing object selected for the discharge combination;
Supply conveyor control means for transporting the supply conveyor so as to unload the objects to be weighed to the weighing conveyor for unloading the objects to be weighed ,
The combination means includes
All the supply conveyors, all the weighing conveyors, and the transport conveyors are configured to obtain the weighing values of the weight sensors when the driving is stopped, and obtain the discharge combination based on the weighing values. Combination scale. The supply conveyor is
3. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the weighing objects on the supply conveyor are transported to the weighing conveyor one by one by repeating a conveying operation with a predetermined distance as a conveying distance. When supplying the objects to be weighed on the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor, both the supply conveyor and the weighing conveyor are transported,
When the object to be weighed on the supply conveyor is supplied to the weighing conveyor, the vehicle further comprises a transfer time point detecting means for detecting a time point when the object to be weighed changes from the supply conveyor to the weighing conveyor,
The weighing conveyor control means includes
3. The combination weigher according to claim 1, configured to stop the transporting operation of the weighing conveyor after a predetermined time has elapsed from the transfer time detected by the transfer time detection means.   The combination weigher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply conveyor is provided with a mark indicating a position at which each object to be weighed is supplied. The supply conveyor is
An endless conveyor belt that circulates, and a region on the upper side of the conveyor belt is divided so that objects to be weighed are placed thereon and each of the holding belts has a predetermined length in the circulation direction; 3. The combination weigher according to claim 1, wherein the weighing objects on the supply conveyor are transported one by one to the weighing conveyor by repeating a conveying operation with the length as a conveying distance. The supply conveyor is
A surface area of the conveyor belt is divided into m pieces (m is an integer of 4 or more) of the predetermined length in the circumferential direction, and the divided area located on the upper side of the conveyor belt is the holding area. The combination weigher according to claim 6, configured to match   The combination weigher according to claim 7, wherein the conveyor belt is provided with a crosspiece on a boundary between the divided regions adjacent to each other.

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